ISTANBUL

Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Friday he held a significant conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

It was Rubio’s first engagement in his new role as Acting National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump.

Yermak said the discussion involved US special envoys Stephen Witkoff and Gen. Keith Kellogg, as well as Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The parties focused on ceasefire prospects and next steps in the peace process following recent talks between Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump.

“The main attention was paid to the issue of a ceasefire and the prospects for a peaceful settlement. We specifically focused on the importance of implementing the points agreed upon by our presidents,” said Yermak.

He welcomed the Ukrainian parliament’s ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the US as “a historic document that opens a new stage in our relations.”

The deal is an investment fund that gives the US access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for investments.

“I am grateful to my partners for their continued support and constructive dialogue during the most difficult times,” he added.

The call follows Zelenskyy telling Trump on Thursday, that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire and open to talks “in any format,” contingent on Russia’s full commitment to ending the war.